Yes, California allows couples to get married on the same day they obtain a marriage license. There is no mandatory waiting period in California, which means once your license is issued, you’re legally allowed to get married immediately. Services like Get Married Today specialize in issuing the marriage license and performing the wedding ceremony all in one visit. You can even choose your location—beach, park, home, or hotel—and they’ll meet you there. The license is legal across the U.S. and internationally (especially when apostilled for foreign recognition). California’s streamlined process makes it ideal for elopements, emergency weddings, or couples with tight schedules.

You can obtain a same-day marriage license from any California county clerk’s office, such as Los Angeles County, Orange County, or San Diego County. However, appointments are often limited and many clerks only operate during business hours. That’s why Get Married Today offers the unique ability to issue a California confidential marriage license without requiring a courthouse visit. Their notaries and officiants are licensed by the County and authorized to issue licenses 24/7. This flexibility is especially useful for military couples, international travelers, or couples marrying on holidays. You can be legally married anywhere in the state within hours.

If you go through the county clerk’s office, you usually need an appointment for both the license and the civil ceremony. However, with a private service like Get Married Today, you can skip the appointment and get legally married the same day at your preferred location. Their licensed notaries and officiants work around your schedule—even on weekends and holidays. Appointments can be made online or by phone and often take less than 15 minutes to set up. You only need to provide valid photo ID and meet the legal marriage requirements. This makes it fast and convenient for couples who need official documentation quickly.

To get married the same day in California, both partners must present valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You don’t need a birth certificate or social security card, although some counties may ask for additional information. If you’ve been married before, a divorce must be final, but you don’t need to show the divorce decree unless it was finalized in the last 90 days. Get Married Today helps you avoid surprises by reviewing your documents before your appointment. Their team ensures your marriage is legal and properly filed with the appropriate county.

Yes, California offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. A public license is filed with the county and can be viewed or requested by anyone, while a confidential license is only accessible to the couple. The confidential license does not require witnesses and can be issued directly by approved notaries such as those at Get Married Today. This option is perfect for couples who value privacy or need to marry discreetly due to personal, legal, or immigration reasons. According to the California Department of Public Health, both license types are equally valid. Only the confidential license allows for mobile issuance outside the courthouse.

Absolutely. In California, once you receive your marriage license, you’re eligible to have a legal ceremony immediately. Services like Get Married Today offer officiants who can conduct your ceremony at any location you choose—home, hotel, park, beach, or hospital. They also provide the license and handle all legal filing on your behalf. Some couples opt for a quick vow exchange, while others plan a more intimate setup with decorations and photography. According to The Knot, the ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, so long as the officiant signs the license and submits it for registration.